Can a child still snore even if the tonsils were the main reason for surgery?

Yes, snoring can still occur after tonsillectomy because the tonsils are only one part of the airway. Nasal blockage, adenoidal tissue, palate shape, and other sleep-related factors can also contribute.

Why does the throat sometimes look uneven years after tonsillectomy?

The tonsil area does not always heal into a completely flat surface. Small contour changes, scar tissue, and nearby lymphoid tissue can all make the throat look uneven without indicating a problem.

Can tonsil stones happen after tonsillectomy?

They can occasionally occur if a small amount of residual tonsil tissue remains. In other cases, debris may collect in nearby throat tissue and be mistaken for tonsil stones.

Is one-sided throat discomfort after tonsillectomy always related to scar tissue?

Not always. One-sided symptoms can have several causes and should be assessed properly, particularly if they persist or are associated with swallowing difficulty.

Why do some patients feel like something is stuck in the throat after surgery, even years later?

That sensation can come from residual tissue, dryness, reflux, post-nasal drip, or throat sensitivity rather than the tonsils themselves. The feeling is real, but the cause is not always obvious without examination.

Can allergies make it seem as though the tonsils have come back?

Allergies can inflame the nose and throat and may make nearby tissue look fuller or more irritated. This can create the impression of regrowth even when the tonsils are not the main issue.

Does age affect whether residual tonsil tissue becomes noticeable?

It can. In children, lymphoid tissue remains more active, so a small remnant may become more visible over time than it would in many adults.

Can a patient need a second tonsil operation years after the first one?

It is uncommon, but it can be discussed in selected cases if residual tissue is contributing to ongoing infection, obstruction, or other clinically relevant symptoms. A decision like this depends on the current symptoms and examination findings rather than the passage of time alone.

Why might a patient still get sore throats after tonsillectomy?

Tonsillectomy can reduce selected tonsil-related problems, but it does not prevent every future throat infection or irritation. Viral illnesses, reflux, allergies, and post-nasal drip can still affect the throat after surgery.

Can previous tonsillectomy make it harder to work out what is causing symptoms now?

Yes, because both patients and parents may assume the tonsils can no longer be involved at all. In practice, symptoms after tonsillectomy may relate to residual tissue, another ENT issue, or a different part of the airway entirely.

Tonsillectomy Archives - Melbourne ENT

Do Tonsils Grow Back After Tonsillectomy?

11/07/2026 Dr Simon Braham

Tonsillectomy is often spoken about as though it is the final chapter in a long history of throat problems. For many patients, it does reduce the issues that led to surgery in the first place. Recurrent throat infections may settle. Sleep may improve. Breathing at night may become quieter and less disrupted. Even so, some
Read More…

Adult Snoring and Sleep Apnea – Role of Tonsils in Airway Obstruction

11/06/2026 Dr Simon Braham

Snoring is extremely common, but it is not always something to shrug off as a harmless habit. Snoring happens when air struggles to move smoothly through the upper airway during sleep, causing soft tissues in the throat to vibrate. For some people, this is light and occasional. For others, it is loud, relentless and disruptive,
Read More…

Bad Breath After Tonsil Surgery – Is It Normal?

08/06/2026 Dr Simon Braham

The reassuring truth is that in most cases, bad breath in the first one to two weeks after tonsillectomy is a normal and expected part of healing. At Melbourne ENT in St Kilda East, Victoria, ENT surgeons Dr Stephen Kleid and Dr Simon Braham regularly perform tonsillectomy for adults and children. They understand that the
Read More…

Adult Tonsil Stones – Can Tonsil Removal Help?

03/06/2026 Dr Simon Braham

Adult tonsil stones can be small and almost unnoticeable, or large, smelly and very intrusive. Many people in Melbourne live with them quietly for years, feeling embarrassed about bad breath or the sensation that something is always stuck in the throat. They may keep buying new mouthwashes and chewing gum, without understanding why the problem
Read More…

Why Recurrent Sore Throats Should Not Be Ignored During School Holidays

12/04/2026 Dr Simon Braham

Introduction: School Holidays, Sore Throats and Timing School holidays in Melbourne often mean later nights, travel, more socialising and more time indoors during cooler months. It is very common for children, teenagers and adults to pick up colds and minor infections during this time. A sore throat here and there is expected. The problem arises
Read More…

Tonsillitis Myths: Why Ice Cream Is Not The Treatment

29/03/2026 Dr Simon Braham

For many people who grew up in Melbourne and across Australia, and for many of the patients who now come to Melbourne ENT in St Kilda East, having your tonsils removed came with one big promise: unlimited ice cream. Parents, grandparents and even some older hospital staff would say that if you were brave enough
Read More…